Collections & Publications

Special Collections

The call number is indicated in parentheses at the end of each entry. The call numbers with quotations indicate that they actually have a Katakana form instead of the alphabets, which represent the corresponding syllables of the Katakana.

Literary works during the Qing dynasty

Collected by the writer of Chinese verse, NOGUCHI Ichitaro (nom de plume: Neisai, 1867-1905). Chinese books (635 titles, 5,159 vols.), especially literary works during the Qing dynasty, and also paintings, calligraphic works, epigraphs, histories, and geographies. The collection was deposited to the Library in 1905 from Noguchi’s brother SHIMA Bunjiro, the then director of the Library of Kyoto Imperial University, and purchased afterwards.

Histories of the Ming edition

Donated in 1910 by SHIMOMURA Masataro (1883-1944), the owner of Daimaru Draper in Kyoto and alumnus of Waseda. The collection is composed of the Chinese books, deriving from the library of the donator’s ancestry. With 93 titles and 2,846 volumes, the collection includes primarily histories of the Ming edition, and also books of the same edition on philosophy and literature.

Statistical literature in early modern Japan

HANABUSA Naosaburo (statistician, 1857-1921) was the director of Cabinet Statistics Bureau of the Japanese government (in office: 1898-1916), and one of the leading figures for the development of modern Japanese statistics. After his decease, his family donated his collection in 1926 and 1927 to the University. Contains 1399 titles (286 Western) and 4,248 volumes (603 Western) of statistical literature (monographs and various governmental publications).

Governmental materials and letters related to University’s founder

The archival collections of the University’s founder OKUMA Shigenobu (1838-1922). Among the total of 12,179 items (therein 1066 in Western languages), there are governmental materials and letters from the notable figures in Japan and abroad, originating from his wide-ranging activities. The collection is considered to be one of the fundamental resources for studies of modern Japanese history. In 1922 and further in 1949 the Okuma’s donated the collection to the University, which established “Okuma Laboratory” (later named “Institute of Social Sciences” ) in 1950 for its archival processing. After completion of this, the collection was moved over to the Library.

Chinese military books in the Qing and Ming era.

Collected by TADA Shun (1882-1948), ex-general of the Japanese army. Contains 63 titles (1,253 volumes) of Chinese military books in the Qing and Ming era. His son TADA Ken, lecturer of Waseda donated the collection to the University in 1957.

Japanese and Chinese classical mathematics, in particular numerous editions of “Jinkoki”

Collected by the historian of mathematics, OGURA Kinnosuke (1885-1962). Mostly Japanese and Chinese classical mathematics, in particular numerous editions of “Jinkoki” (the early Japanese arithmetic book of the 17th century, written by YOSHIDA Mitsuyoshi). And it also contains rare books such as “Jihe yuanben”, the first Chinese translation of Euclid’s “Stoicheia” (Books 1-6, based on the Latin edition of Clavius) by Matteo Ricci and Xu Guangqi, published in 1607. 1260 titles and 3050 volumes (48 volumes in Western languages). Purchased in 1952.

Chinese classics

This collection is derived from HATTORI Nankaku (1683-1759, pseud. also “Fukyokan” ), the scholar of Chinese classics and poet, as well as from the other generations of his family. Primarily Chinese classics, but also Japanese books, writings of the Hattori’s, their genealogical materials etc. 2211 titles (7917 volumes). In 1945, Hattori Motofumi, descendant and then lecturer of Waseda donated the collection to the University.

Japanese books mainly of art

Collected by AIZU Yaichi (1881-1956, pseud. “Shuso Dojin” ), Emeritus Professor of Waseda and the distinguished historian of ancient Chinese and Japanese art, known also as poet and calligrapher. His book collection was burnt during the Second World War, and his family donated 5921 Japanese books mainly of art, which he acquired after the war, to the University in 1958. The works of art he collected belong to Aizu Museum (http://www.waseda.ac.jp/aizu/index.html) for display to the public.

Western social scientific books of the first half of the 20th century

Composed of the Western social scientific books (totaling 36570 volumes) KODERA Kenkichi (1877-1949)donated to Waseda during the period of 1923 through 1946. Kodera, entrepreneur and politician in Kobe, was titled Honored Guest of the University. In 1947 he was elected as mayor of Kobe, to serve the city until his decease. The substantial part of the collection concerns politics, which makes, in conjunction with law and economics, 60 % of the total. But it also contains a large number of history, biography and geography, accompanied by not a few books on philosophy and religion. Includes major works (esp. English and German) in the above-cited fields of the first half of the 20th century.

Materials concerning religions

Collected by Elizabeth Gordon (Orientalist, 1851-1925), whose research focus was Nestorianism and Buddhism. As court lady Gordon served Queen Victoria, then studied at Oxford, and afterwards made several trips to China, Korea and notably Japan, where she spent her last years. The collection contains Western books (1279 titles, 1485 volumes) related particularly to religions as well as 586 items of religious paintings (e.g. of Buddha, mandala and Christian art as well) and other articles. The donation was made first in 1908 and further continued several times. Gordon also contributed the donations of books to Koyasan University (institution of the Shingon Buddhism), and to the Tokyo Metropolitan Hibiya Library for its inauguration.

History and literature

Derived from the library of TSUDA Sokichi (1873-1961), Emeritus Professor of Waseda and the eminent scholar of Asian history (awardee of the Japanese Cultural Medal and member of the Japan Academy). There are books and journals primarily on history and literature (2,457 titles, 10375 volumes; therein 748 volumes in Western languages). Tsuda’s own manuscripts and memoranda were processed separately to constitute “Tsuda Sokichi Denki Shiryo” (“Tsuda Sokichi Biographical Archives” ). His family donated the collection in 1962.

Asian history and Chinese studies

Derived from the library of SHIMIZU Taiji (1890-1960), scholar of Asian history at Waseda, who developed studies of the social and economic history of Ming Dynasty China. Contains 124 titles (1283 volumes) of Asian history and Chinese studies (e.g. the Jiguge edition of the 24 histories and other historical materials of the Ming and Qing Dynasties). In 1962 his family donated the collection.

Poetic works and criticisms

Collected by KINUGASA Shizuo (1895-1962), vice-president of Mitsuwa Company. This is a famed collection of poetic works and criticisms of 4506 titles, 4906 volumes (47 volumes in Western languages), which covers major publications (including a large number of the first editions) during the Meiji, Taisho and early Showa periods. In 1962, his son KINUGASA Kazuo, alumnus of Waseda, donated the collection to the University.

Imai Takuji bunko (Bunko 3A)

Modern Japanese poetry

Collected by IMAI Takuji (1909-1997), professor of Waseda University. Contains a total of 1074 books chiefly of modern Japanese poetry. Acquired in 1998. Because of the collector’s will, all of the books are conserved with their original covers and bindings as far as possible.

spinning and textile industries

Collected by HARADA Tadao (1885-1953), alumnus of Waseda, who was auditor of Dai Nippon Boseki and president of Nanko Bussan. Contains publications before the Second World War on spinning and textile industries of 1596 titles, 2259 volumes (507 volumes in Western languages), which Harada acquired for his business purposes. In 1943 Harada donated the collection to the School of Commerce of Waseda and it was transferred to the Library in 1955.

Location: B1F Research collection stacks

Catalogs: Printed catalog; WINE

Wada sen’i bunko (Bunko 4W)

spinning and textile industries

Donated in March 1989 by the bereaved family of WADA Norio (executive of the Japan Chemical Fibers Association), this collection of ca. 5500 volumes has a feature of supplementing the above-mentioned Harada collection with later publications of the fields.

Japanese books of the late Edo period

Derived from the library of NAKAMURA Shingo (1870-1939), professor of Waseda, specializing in international law. The collection, whose focus is not on his own research field, contains 1598 titles (8359 volumes) of Japanese books of a wide range of subjects, mostly printed in the late Edo period. Nakamura Motoo, of Shingo’s bereaved family, donated the collection to the School of Law of Waseda in 1939. It was transferred to the Library in 1957. Nakamura’s collections were also donated to Hitotsubashi and Takushoku Universities, where he taught as well.

Library of Tsubouchi Shoyo

Derived from the library of TSUBOUCHI Shoyo (1859-1935), Emeritus Professor of Waseda and one of the most important figures of modern Japanese literature. Tsubouchi is renowned for his complete translation of the works of William Shakespeare, to name just one of his great contributions. Among the books Tsubouchi owned, those on theater are in possession of the Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum of Waseda, while the Municipal Library of Atami City received a donation of the geographical books from his collection. And “Kokugeki Kojokai” (Association for Advancement of Japanese Theatre) donated the rest of 5082 volumes (1258 in Western languages) to Waseda University Library in 1949.

Buddhist books and manuscripts

Derived from the collection of Kyorinbo (Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect in Shiga Prefecture). Collected by TSUJII Tokujun (1864-1952), the chief priest of the temple. There are 1902 volumes of Buddhist books and manuscripts (histories, sermons, biographies etc.), particularly of the Tendai sect. Received in 1957 from Tsujii’s family.

Western Learning of the Edo period

Yogaku or Western Learning (studies of Western science and art during the Edo period) contributed greatly to the modernization of Japan in the late 19th century. This is a complex of several collections related to Western Learning, coming primarily from the following four:
The Otsuki family, which gave rise to a number of scholars of Western Learning (Yogaku) since the middle Edo period. A total of 105 titles (169 volumes) in this collection have been designated as Important Cultural assets by the Government in 1993.
OKAMURA Chibiki (1882-1964), who taught English literature at Waseda and also took the position of director of the University Library.
KATSUMATA Senkichiro (1872-1964), Emeritus Professor of Waseda (English literature).
The Katsuragawa family. They served for generations as official physicians for the Tokugawa shogunate. The Library purchased the materials related to the Katsuragawa’s from the Imaizumi family.
The Library supplemented the collection with other materials concerning Western Learning of the early Edo period. There are 3349 volumes of books (457 volumes in Western languages) on Western Learning (of English and Dutch among other things). In addition to the books, the collection also contains the medical certificate by Franz von Siebold, or paintings such as “Oranda Shogatsu” (Dutch New Year, 1795) by Ichikawa Gakusan and the portraits of the renowned scholars. The Library intends that this collection, passing already as one of the most important of this kind, be further enlarged by related materials.

British economic history

Derived from the library of the economist KOMATSU Yoshitaka (1906-2000), member of the Japan Academy and Emeritus Professor of Waseda University. Western books primarily on the British economic history. He began to donate his books to Waseda as early as in 1930. While the Library classifies his Japanese books into its general collections, the donations of Western books since 1966 until 2000 were assigned to make this special collection. The collection has about 12000 volumes, covering not only his subject field but also wide areas ranging from history and social sciences in general to philosophy or religion. There are a considerable number of rare books, e.g. the first edition of “An die pfarrherrn wider den wucher zu predigen” (by Martin Luther, 1540).

Books on newspapers/journalism, advertising leaflets and posters etc.

Collected by NISHIGAKI Buichi (1901-1967), alumnus of Waseda and owner of an advertising agency, who also founded and led “Nihon Shinbun Shiryo Kyokai” (“Association for the Newspaper Resources” ). This was an initiative for preservation of newspaper materials in Japan. The collection is composed of books on newspapers and journalism as well as non-book materials (advertising leaflets and posters etc.), with a total of 12069 items (therein 119 volumes of Western books). His bereaved family donated the collection to Waseda in 1968. Thanks to this collection, the Library could hold the exhibition “Bakumatsu Meiji no media ten: shinbun nishikie hikifuda” (“The media of the late Edo and Meiji periods: newspapers, color prints and handbills” ) with a great success in 1987 and 1988. Its illustrated catalog appeared in 1987 (by Waseda Daigaku Shuppanbu).

Modern Japanese literature (also Chinese classics and western books)

Collected by YANAGIDA Izumi (1894-1969), the scholar of Japanese literature and Emeritus Professor of Waseda. Contains primarily books related to modern Japanese literature and also Chinese classics and Western books. In particular, there are about 400 pieces (an exceptional quantity as a personal collection) of Kusazoshi (book of popular fiction with illustrations) from the late Edo through the middle Meiji periods. The collection has 9582 volumes (therein 830 volumes in Western languages). In 1971 the Library received the donation from the collector’s family.

Varied historical documents of Japan

This is the collection of materials OGINO Minahiko (1904-1992), the paleographer and Emeritus Professor of Waseda, acquired for the purpose of his lectures. There are 1117 items of varied ancient documents of Japan (three of them designated as Important Cultural Properties by the Government), representing the wide range of periods of the nation’s history. The collection was moved from the School of Literature to the Library in 1974, when he retired from the University. The entire texts of the collection have been published in the printed form with annotations as “Waseda Daigaku Shozo Ogino Kenkyu Shitsu Shushu Monjo” (2 v, by Yoshikawa Kobunkan)

History of Western economy and history of economics

Derived from the collection of KUBOTA Akiteru (1897-1971), economist and Emeritus Professor of Waseda, known for his studies of agricultural economics and history of economics (research on Francois Quesnay in particular). Contains 1508 titles (1811 volumes) in Western languages, concerning economic theory, agricultural economics, history of Western economy and history of economics. Some of them have been assigned to the Library’s rare book collection.
In 1974 his bereaved family donated his collection to the University (Western books to the Library and Japanese books to the Graduate School of Economics).

Handwriting of renowned individuals of literature and art

Derived from the library of HONMA Hisao (1886-1981), Emeritus Professor of Waseda and scholar of English and modern Japanese literature. The remarkable feature of this collection is that it contains, in addition to 1514 books, a total of 762 materials (manuscripts, letters, diaries, painting and calligraphic works etc.) in handwriting of renowned individuals of literature and art. In 1978 and thereafter, the Library purchased the collection four times from the owner.

International law

Derived from the library of IRIE Keishiro (1903-1978), scholar of international law and professor of several universities, who also took the position of guest professor at Waseda, where he had studied the law. With the focus of international law, the collection contains 7915 volumes of books (therein 3473 volumes in Western languages) on history, diplomacy, politics and economy. There are many social scientific books in Chinese and Cyrillic, reinforcing the Library’s holding, in which those languages are represented rather in arts and humanities. In 1978, the collector’s son Irie Akira (then professor of University of Chicago) donated the collection to Waseda.

Greek and Latin literature

Derived from the library of Andrew Seydenham Farrar Gow (1886-1978), the professor of Cambridge University, known for his studies on Western classics (e.g. “Theocritus” in 2 v; Cambridge University Press). Western books (2052 volumes) on Greek and Latin literature. The Library purchased the collection from his bereaved family in 1979.

Toki bunko (Bunko 17)

Modern Japanese literature

Books and other materials collected by TOKI Zenmaro (1885-1980), the poet and scholar of modern Japanese literature, who lectured also at Waseda, his alma mater. There are 6537 items of books, journals and calligraphic scrolls (73 books in Western languages). Toki’s family donated the collection to the Library in 1985.

Renga and haikai (two genres of traditional Japanese linked verses)

Collected by NAKAMURA Shunjo (1900-1984), Professor Emeritus of Waseda. Includes 1432 materials related to renga and haikai (two genres of traditional Japanese linked verses), published primarily in the Edo period, among which transcriptions of rare books by the collector’s own tracing are also contained. The collection came into the Library’s possession thanks to the goodwill of Nakamura’s widow in 1986.

Location: 4F Rare book collection room(Kichosho)

Catalogs: Printed catalog; WINE

Furyo bunko (Bunko 19)

Chinese materials related to popular literature, folklore and social history

Collection of Chinese materials (a total of ca. 8400) related to popular literature, folklore and social history. Conspicuously, the collection contains as many as 200 titles of hokan (baojuan; a genre of narrative literature of popular and mostly religious nature), the detailed analysis of which resulted in the doctoral dissertation, the first ever of this kind, of the collector SAWADA Mizuho (b. 1912, ex-professor of Waseda). There are a great many popular materials, which could have been easily lost because of their seeming “obscurity” . Received from the collector in 1989.

Original manuscripts of the renga masters (Sogi, shinkei etc.)

Collection of a total of 1122 materials related to renga, the research focus of the collector IJICHI Tetsuo (1908-1998), who was professor of Waseda, known especially for his studies of Sogi (1421-1502, renga poet). Includes the original manuscripts and transcriptions of Sogi, Shinkei (1406-1475), Soboku (?-1545), Inawashiro Kensai (1452-1510) etc. as well as the letters of Shohaku (1443-1527), Sanjonishi Sanetaka (1455-1537) and Joha (1524 or 1525? -1602). Ijichi donated the collection to the Library in 1988.

Location: 4F Rare book collection room(Kichosho)

Catalogs: Printed catalog; WINE

Sugi Toshio bunko (Bunko 21)

French literature and linguistics

Collected by SUGI Toshio (1904-1990), the scholar of French literature and Emeritus Professor of University of Tokyo. A total of about 18000 volumes of books on French literature and linguistics were donated to Waseda University Library in 1989. In addition to the books of his private library, the collection also includes two collections Sugi additionally acquired for donation: the collections by R. Lebegue (scholar of French literature, Sorbonne) and by P. Imbs (linguist, University of Strasbourg). The collection is currently under procession.

Furansu keizai shakai shiso bunko (Bunko 22)

Collection of French publications on economics, society and thought

Derived from the Corvaia family. In 1988 the Library purchased the collection in commemoration of the opening of the new Central Library. A total of ca. 10000 books on politics, economy, law, philosophy, history, thought in general etc., covering almost all the important original works of a whole range of the social sciences in France from the 16th through 19th centuries. One of the most remarkable books is the special edition of “Traicte de l’oeconomie politique” (by Antoine de Montchretien, 1615), which was dedicated to and owned by the king Louis 13th. The collection is under procession.

Fukushima bunko (Bunko 23)

History of modern Japanese legal system

This is a collection of materials on the history of law. It belonged to FUKUSHIMA Masao (1906-1989), ex-professor of Waseda, whose family donated his collection to the Library in 1991. Includes publications on the history of modern Japanese legal system (e.g. the Land Tax Reform of 1873-1881), while another part of the collection concerns the socialist laws such as in China and Russia.

Research materials on epigraphs, esp. bussokuseki

Collected by KATO Jun (b. 1907), Emeritus Professor of Waseda, who also took the position of vice-director of the Library. A total of ca. 4500 items donated by the collector in 1993. Includes research materials on epigraphs, esp. bussokuseki (“stone footprints of Buddha”) and old bell-inscriptions, and also literature of Japanese language, history of calligraphy and Buddhism. Rubbed copies by Kato’s own hands were donated to the present Aizu Museum, mentioned above.

Herbert Steiner Collection (Bunko 25)

Materials on the Comintern

Derived from the private library of Herbert Steiner, historian in Vienna. A total of about 8,000 items on the Comintern, written mainly in German and other European languages. The collection is currently under procession.

Location: B1F Research collection stacks

Catalogs: WINE

Iijima bunko (Bunko 26)

Materials on the cinema, Hungary and Aztec

Derived from the private library of IIJIMA Tadashi (1902-1996), ex-professor of Waseda University. The collection, donated from 1989 through 1993, includes books on the cinema, Hungary and Aztec. 3,315 items in foreign languages.

Location: B1F Research collection stacks

Catalogs: WINE

Tsunoda Ryusaku kinen bunko (Bunko 27)

Japanese and American culture

Derived from the private library of TSUNODA Ryusaku (1877-1964), a graduate of Tokyo Senmon Gakko, the predecessor of Waseda University. The collection was set up in commemoration of the 125th anniversary of Waseda University on October 20, 2007, honoring Tsunoda for his achievements in Japanese studies and introduction of Japanese culture to the United States. Includes 989 foreign titles and 210 Japanese titles, about 1,500 volumes in total.

Tetsuka bunko (Bunko 28)

Meiji & Taisho literature

Derived from the private library of TETSUKA Masayuki (1931-1995), an alumnus of Waseda University. A total of 1,775 Japanese literary books of the Meiji and Taisho periods, including a number of works authored by Waseda alumni. The collection was donated by the bereaved family in 1997. Placed in the Meiji-ki stacks on B1 floor (library use only) for preservation purpose.